Somali Truck Driver Drives Wrong Way, Lacks English Proficiency
A Somali truck driver operating an 80-ton rig was recently caught driving the wrong way on Highway 61 near Troy, Missouri. According to reports from authorities, the individual was unable to read basic traffic signs and failed an English proficiency test on the spot when stopped by police.
Video footage of the incident showed the vehicle traveling in the northbound lanes around 8:00 AM on February 26, 2026, approximately 55 miles from St. Louis. After driving in the wrong direction for several miles, the driver finally switched lanes to return to the correct route before being intercepted and cited by the highway patrol. This dangerous behavior is reminiscent of the wrong-way driver case in New York that previously sparked public outcry.
Decisive Response from Authorities
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy confirmed on social media that although the driver held a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) issued by Minnesota authorities, his language skills did not meet minimum standards. The driver has since been suspended pending an extensive investigation into the licensing process and route safety.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol added that the driver showed no signs of intoxication or health issues at the time of the incident. However, Sergeant Dallas Thompson emphasized that regulations require all commercial drivers to understand English well enough to pass exams and recognize signs in accordance with state and federal standards.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has launched an investigation into how the driver was granted a CDL despite failing to meet federal regulation CFR 383. Simultaneously, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are investigating the carrier company, similar to the procedures following the severe fiery crash in Long Beach.
Tightening Federal Transportation Safety Standards
This incident comes as road safety regulations are being tightened. Since April last year, the requirement that all CDL exams be conducted in English has been strictly enforced to raise safety standards and minimize risks, such as the case of the speeding driver who caused a crash involving a founding member of the Dixie Chicks on major highways.
According to U.S. Department of Transportation data, more than 14,000 drivers have been suspended and 550 training facilities closed for failing to meet basic language and safety requirements. This is part of an effort to protect traffic safety for communities and families across the United States.
"We will continue to tighten oversight to ensure absolute traffic safety for American families," Secretary Duffy stated regarding the efforts to purge the current commercial driver workforce of unqualified individuals.
